On May 3,2016, the police conducted an initial investigation when
Funtanares allegedly appeared at the bishop's office to confess that he
and a priest identified as Fr. Antonio Sardo were into a relationship,Funtanares was arrested Friday morning at the Home for the Clergy in Barangay Bibincahan according to Provincial Police Office.

The suspect allegedly demanded P10 million from the bishop
or he would go public about his relationship with Fr. Sardo, but he lowered it fot P5 million on May 25.

Due to the persistent threats, Bastes decided to give the suspect
P25,000 in cash on June 1. He told the suspect to come back in two weeks
for the next payment.

On June 15, the bishop sought the assistance of the Sorsogon police and the suspect was caught in an entrapment operation.

He was brought to the Sorsogon City Police Station and a case of Robbery Extortion was filed against him on June 18.